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Illumination Sets Release Dates for Three Animated Franchise Titles

Illumination's latest outing, 'Minions', has grossed more than $1 billion in the worldwide box office.

Illumination Entertainment has set release dates for three untitled animated tentpoles following the blockbuster success of 2016 summer entry Minions, which has become the No. 2 animated film of all time.

The first untitled film is set to hit theaters July 13, 2018, followed by another on July 3, 2019. The third will be released July 10, 2020.

Chris Meledandri's animation powerhouse is responsible for the Despicable Me franchise, as well as the Dr. Seuss adaptation, The Lorax.

The Despicable Me spin-off movie Minions has grossed $1.15 billion to date at the worldwide box office, becoming one of the top ten highest grossing films of all time, animated or otherwise.

The studio's next film The Secret Life of Pets — starring Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet and Kevin Hart —is due out July 8, 2016.

Matthew McConaughey is set to star in a yet to be titled animation written and directed by Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy helmer Garth Jennings. The film, described as a music-driven comedy, has a release date of Dec. 21 2016.

Illumination had also previously announced the third installment in the Despicable Me series, due out June 30, 2017, and a computer animated rendition of the Suess classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas, out Nov. 17, 2017.